Spotlight on Sanders All Offseason
Over the course of the offseason, one storyline has hovered over Berea like a spotlight: Where does rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders fit into the Cleveland Browns’ plans?
From bold predictions of Sanders starting Week 1 to speculation about a potential trade, the debate surrounding the former Colorado Buffaloes star has fueled headlines throughout training camp.
Now, the waiting game is nearly over. Head coach Kevin Stefanski said Sunday that he will name the team’s starter this week ahead of Cleveland’s final preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
“We’re working towards Week 1, so we’ll make all of those types of determinations in the next couple of days,” Stefanski said, signaling an end to the quarterback questions.
Flacco Remains the Frontrunner
While the intrigue around Sanders has energized fans, the frontrunner for the job remains Super Bowl MVP Joe Flacco.
The 17-year veteran not only brings championship pedigree but also familiarity with the franchise after leading the Browns for five games in 2023, going 4-1.
Throughout camp, Flacco has consistently worked with the first-team offense, taking the lion’s share of reps across 14 practices, completing 91 of 151 attempts with six touchdowns and zero interceptions.
For a team seeking stability, the dependability of a seasoned veteran like Flacco is hard to overlook.
Sanders Shines but Faces Depth Chart Hurdle
Despite a strong preseason debut against the Carolina Panthers—138 yards, two touchdowns, zero turnovers—and boasting the best completion percentage of camp (70-of-100, eight touchdowns, no turnovers), Sanders was still listed fourth on the Browns’ latest unofficial depth chart.
He currently sits ahead of newly signed Tyler “Snoop” Huntley but behind fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel, followed by Kenny Pickett and Flacco at No. 1.
Still, the rookie’s current slot doesn’t fully reflect his potential. Sanders has already shown NFL-level poise and precision reminiscent of his Colorado days under his father, coach Deion Sanders.
For a rookie 5th-round pick in a crowded quarterback room, Sanders has accomplished something rare: forcing his way into the conversation.
Who’s the Odd Man Out?
Of Cleveland’s five active quarterbacks, Huntley and Pickett appear most vulnerable.
-
Huntley’s late signing makes him an obvious candidate.
-
Pickett, slowed by a nagging hamstring, could still hold trade value for teams needing depth.
Stefanski has acknowledged the possibility of carrying four quarterbacks into the season, but with five currently on the roster, final cuts on Aug. 27 will force a decision.
The Browns must choose between veteran stability or embracing youth behind Flacco.
Final Preseason: Sanders’ Last Chance?
Stefanski has described the final week of preseason as a “dress rehearsal” for Cleveland’s home opener against the Bengals.
That likely means Flacco will take a few snaps in the final exhibition against the Rams, while Pickett holds onto the No. 2 role. Gabriel, despite two turnovers in his preseason debut, could retain an edge over Sanders due to draft status.
Sanders, meanwhile, continues to battle through an oblique strain. With Stefanski yet to reveal the QB rotation for the last preseason game, it’s unclear whether fans will see Sanders back on Huntington Bank Field.
If he does play, it will be his final opportunity to showcase NFL readiness before roster cuts decide his immediate future in Cleveland.
